Spanish History: 19th & 20th Centuries Key Events & Concepts
Triennial Rotation of Fields
Explains how the triennial rotation of fields worked. A field was used each time, for example, if you have three fields, two are planted and one is left fallow to prevent disease.
The Old Regime
Defined European societies of the modern age that survived the medieval and feudal stages, maintaining a lifestyle based on the agricultural economy of the nobility.
Three Powers
Executive: Executes the laws (ministers).
Legislative: Makes the laws and prepares the budget.
Judiciary: Ensures laws are followed.
Montesquieu advocated for the division of powers to prevent tyranny, ensuring each power could control the others.
House of Commons
The population consists of cities and towns. Its role is to hold elections, and voters elect deputies.
War of the Spanish Succession
The origin of the war was that part of the European powers opposed the new Spanish monarch, a Bourbon, fearing a strengthening of France’s power in Europe. Britain, Holland, Portugal, and the Austrian Empire declared war on France and Spain.
Causes of the French Revolution
France was in a deep economic and social crisis. The bourgeoisie and the poor were unhappy due to poor harvests and their political marginalization.
The National Convention
Was in the hands of an Assembly where the Girondins did not call elections for a new National Convention with male suffrage.
Republic in Danger
In the spring of 1793.
Congress of Vienna Objectives
The restoration of the monarchy and absolutism was completed with the Holy Alliance, a treaty of mutual assistance.
Liberalism and Nationalism
Liberalism emphasizes individual rights and sovereignty.
Nationalism focuses on the nation.
Spring of the Peoples
Marked the emergence of democratic ideals: universal male suffrage, popular sovereignty, and the rise of workers in political power.
Popular Sovereignty
All citizens participate in political life through universal suffrage.
Capitalism
The pursuit of maximum economic benefit and profit.
Banks in Industrial Development
Banks became important institutions in the development of capitalism, acting as direct investors.
Second Industrial Revolution
Britain’s economic leadership began to be shared with new industrial powers like Germany, the United States, and Japan.
Causes of the Peninsular War
A central supreme coordinating board was created to lead the resistance, while patriotic groups organized guerrilla attacks against the French.
Liberal Triennial
The 1812 Constitution was reinstated, an amnesty was decreed, and elections were held.
Causes of Independence
The spread of ideas and principles of freedom and equality promoted by the French Revolution.
Reforms from 1868
Agricultural, industrial, and financial reforms were promoted.
19th Century Migratory Movements
Increasing population and limited job opportunities in Spain forced many to emigrate, mostly to Latin America.
Urban Population Evolution
Between 1850 and 1900, Spain’s urban population doubled.
Obstacles to Industrialization in Spain
Low purchasing power, lack of investment, transport problems, inadequate power supply, and remote location.
Regional Imbalances in 19th Century Spain
In 1930, most industry was located in Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Madrid, where one-fifth of the population lived and the per capita GDP was above the Spanish average.
European Conquest in the 19th Century
Technical innovations, new forms of work organization, and the growth of banking led to a spectacular increase in production.
Causes of Colonialism
Economic, demographic, ideological, and political factors.
Exploitation Colonies
Colonies were directly monitored and managed by the metropolis for economic exploitation.
Treaty of Versailles
Germany was declared solely guilty for the outbreak of the conflict and was obliged to pay war reparations. Its army and navy were almost completely dismantled, and rearmament was banned. Territories of Alsace and Lorraine were returned.
Weimar Republic
A republic was established with its capital in Weimar, based on a democratic constitution. The defeated military felt humiliated by the Treaty of Versailles, which accused Germany of causing the war.
Dictatorship of Primo de Rivera
Employers’ organizations and conservative political groups staged a coup d’état, leading to a military dictatorship inspired by Italian fascism.
Second Republic
Municipal elections led to the opposition (republicans, socialists, and nationalists) defeating the monarchist party.
Second Republic Goals
Military reform, religious reform, educational reform, and agrarian reform.
Opposition to the Republic
Conservatives.
Popular Front
A coalition of parties.
Military Uprising of July 1936 and the Civil War
On July 17, 1936, in Melilla, Ceuta, and Tetuan, and on July 18 in the peninsula, an important sector of the army (Mola, Franco, Queipo de Llano) joined by Falangists and traditionalists, staged a coup d’état, leading to the Civil War.
International Transcendence of the Spanish Civil War
The war saw a confrontation between democratic and partly revolutionary forces against fascist regimes.
Franco’s Political System
Franco held legislative, executive, and judicial power.
Social Groups Supporting Francoism
The wealthy bourgeoisie, the army, and the Catholic Church.
Spain After the Civil War
Agriculture and industry grew slowly, and trade with the outside world was minimal.
Franco’s Post-War Economic Policy
The standard of living per capita reached pre-1936 levels only by 1953.
Changes in Spanish Society from the 1960s
Population growth, migration abroad, and internal migration.
Social Reforms
Improved living standards and a more open society.
1978 Constitution
Defined Spain as a democratic, social, and autonomous state. Sovereignty resides in the people and includes the separation of powers.
Differences Between Governments and the Popular Party
The Popular Party experienced a good economic situation, an approach to the United States, and a terrorist attack in Madrid, leading to the return of the PSOE.